PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant mustard greens in Sacramento, California

December 15 – December 29

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Sacramento year

Climate basis: NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Sacramento (ZCTA 95814 centroid), elevation 38 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow mustard greens from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (January 12). One year in ten still freezes after February 8.

Last spring freezeJanuary 121-in-10 after Feb 8
First fall freezeDecember 161-in-10 before Nov 28
Frost-free season≈ 341 daysmedian at 32°F
USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Sacramento year

Direct-sow outdoorsDec 15 – Dec 29
Fall plantingOct 21 – Nov 18
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Feb 8
Mustard greens in Sacramento · freeze context from Sacramento 5 Ese, CA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Direct-sow outdoors

Dec 15 – Dec 29

Purdue lists mustard under both hardy (4–6 weeks before the last frost) and semi-hardy (2–4 weeks before); the later semi-hardy start is used. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Jan 12). Purdue University Extension

Fall planting

Oct 21 – Nov 18

Purdue Table 2: plant fall mustard greens at least 4–8 weeks before the first fall frost. Anchored to the median first fall freeze (Dec 16). Purdue University Extension

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (1)

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